Outreach Connections Program

What we aim to do: To promote sustainable housing outcomes, as well as improve the health and wellbeing of people with complex needs, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This is done through a community based assertive outreach model, in which we work with local communities (across the Hume region) to identify and engage with and support the target client group. A case management model is used to agree (client) needs and hopes, linking them to mainstream and/or specialist services that will assist them.

Who is eligible? Those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, those living in low cost or insecure accommodation; 18 years + (individuals & Families), who have multiple and complex needs, are socially and/or geographically isolated and are unable to access mainstream or specialist welfare services.

Location of services: Hume Region Rural Victoria

More about this service: Outreach Connections offers case management services to people over the age of 18yrs who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless and who are not receiving or are unable to receive support from other welfare agencies.

This support is offered to individuals, couples and / or families who have multiple needs and complex behaviour who are: living in low cost accommodation, experiencing housing problems or homelessness possibly due to either:

­ - An alcohol or drug addiction

­ - A physical, psychiatric or intellectual disability

­ - An acquired brain injury

­ - Domestic violence

­ - Being elderly

And are unable to access welfare services due to social and / or geographic isolation.

The aim is to assist clients with identifying and responding to the circumstances that are either putting their current tenancy ‘at risk’, or has caused them to become homeless. It is expected that support offered will result in effective service linkages which promote longer term wellbeing and housing stability.

­ - Providing information so the client can make informed decisions about their current and future wellbeing

­ - Putting people in touch with welfare / community services, such as medical, legal, personal, relationship or addiction counselling

­ - Encouraging client self-efficacy and undertaking advocacy

­ - Promoting social and recreational links

These services are delivered through assertive outreach. Priority is given to working in and with isolated communities where mainstream and specialist services are either non-existent or are not meeting the needs of the client group.

Outreach Connections is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Government.

How to contact us:

Shepparton P.O. Box 7352 43A Wyndham St Shepparton Vic 3632

Ph: 03 5833 1099 Fax: 03 5821 7627

Servicing: City of Greater Shepparton, Shires of Moira and Strathbogie

Seymour P.O. Box 233 8-12 Victoria St Seymour Vic 3661

Ph: 03 5799 2583 Fax: 03 5792 1209

Servicing: Shires of Mitchell, Murrindindi and Mansfield

Wangaratta 40-42 Rowan St Wangaratta Vic 3676

Ph: 03 5722 8000 Fax: 03 5722 4964

Servicing: Rural City of Wangaratta, Benalla Rural City and the Alpine Shire

The Victorian Department of Human Services funds Outreach Connections to run the Community Connections and Housing Support for the Aged programmes – further information can be sourced about these initiatives from their website:

The Federal Department of Health and Ageing funds Outreach Connections to conduct the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged programme - further information can be sourced about this initiative from their website: